Monitoring the Reproduction Number and Stringency Index of Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.

Abstract:

In order to track the Covid-19 pandemic's reproduction number and stringency index in Nigeria, this research presents the implementation of control chart approaches. This will assist in monitoring these pertinent parameters and assist decision-makers in determining whether to impose stricter or less strict containment measures to stop the spread of a disease. The data for this study data was sourced from the Our World In Data (OWID) website (https://www.owid.org). This database contains information about how the Covid-19 pandemic has spread globally. The data consist of the reproduction number and the stringency index of the pandemic from February 2020 to July 2022. The range chart was used to monitor the variability in these indices. The findings indicate that during the first 42 days of infection, the pandemic's reproduction number and stringency index are not within statistically significant ranges, hence out of statistical control. This could explain the virus's quick spread as well as the nation's economy's suffering due to harsh government measures. The study concludes, therefore, that statistical quality control charts are a viable option for tracking a few key pandemic metrics. This would assist in educating interested parties about the necessity of taking the necessary actions to stop the spread of such a pandemic.